The Society of Caribbean Ornithology is a non-profit organization
whose goals are to promote the scientific study and conservation of
Caribbean birds and their habitats, to provide a link among island
ornithologists and those elsewhere, to provide a written forum for
researchers in the region (refereed journal-Ornitologfa Caribefia,
published in conjunction with dithe Puerto Rico Ornithological So-
ciety) and to provide data or technical aid to conservation groups in
the Caribbean.

We observed an adult male Audubon's [Black-Headed] Oriole
Icterus graduacauda at an approximate distance of 15 m for
10 mins. beginning 15:13 hr, 12 June 1995 in the tree line off
Jobos Beach, near Ramey, Puerto Rico. The following day,
we identified the bird from the literature with the aid of our
field drawings and notes. The brightyellow body (particularly
the yellow back), and black head, wings, and tail of this adult
male were distinctive and diagnostic. By reviewing the
literature, we recognized that this oriole was not a species
normally occurring in Puerto Rico (Biaggi 1983, Perez-
Rivera 1993, Raffaele 1989, Rivera-Cianchini and Mojica-
Sandoz 1981).
The normal range for Audubon's Oriole is southern Texas to
southern Mexico (Clements 1992), approximately 2200 km
from the site of our observation. R. L. Norton (pers. comm.)
informed us that no other reports of this oriole are known
outside of its normal range. Audubon's Orioles almost always
occur in pairs. Our observation of a solitary bird could
suggest an escaped cage bird, or that at least low numbers of
these birds are in Puerto Rico. The great distance from its
normal range and lack of any records from islands between
Central America and Puerto Rico suggest that we saw a
formerly captive bird that had been transported to Puerto
Rico. However, this bird was seen away from any human
population center in its natural habitat (woodland near water),
which is unlike the normal behavior of isolated, caged and
released birds. Studies of released caged birds in Puerto Rico
have shown that such birds do not leave cities (H. A. Raffaele,
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pers. comm.), although many

exotics have eventually become established in rural areas.
Audubon's Oriole is not a common cage bird in Puerto Rico,
but some people have this species in captivity (R. A. Perez-
Rivera, pers. comm.). We have not been able to find records
of recent sales of this animal, but no records would be
expected because it can not be legally imported (Ptrez-
Rivera, pers. coimm). A range extension or wandering of this
bird from Central America to Puerto Rico is unlikely, but is
an alternate explanation.
We thank Raul A. Pdrez-Rivera, Humacao University
College, University of Puerto Rico; H. A, Raffaclc, U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service; and Robert L. Norton, Caribbean
Editor. American Birds, for reviewing the manuscript and for
advice and additional information.

The Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is a short-distance
migrant with a winter range that is essentially confined to the
southeastern United States (Bent 1942). Eastern Phoebes
winter only in areas where the mean minimum January
temperature is above -4"C (250F) (Root 1988). The primary
winter range is in Atlantic and Gulf coastal states from
Virginia to Texas, and northern Mexico where the southern-
and western-most records are from Oaxaca and Veracruz
(American Ornithologists'Union 1983). Based on Christmas
Bird Count data, areas of peak winter abundance are in
e-atemrn Texas and north-central Florida (September to May).
This flycatcher is a rare and irregular winter resident in the
Keys and extreme southern Florida (Root 1988, Robertson
and Woolfenden 1992). Individuals establish winter feeding
territories and defend them both intra- and inter-specifically.
Despite their winter abundance in coastal areas of the
southeastern United States and a modest number of reports
from Bermuda (Amos 1991), there are surprisingly few
reports of Eastern Phoebes from the West Indies (Table 1).
B ent (1942) and Barbour (1943) noted one from Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba. The immature specimen was collected by Juan
Gundlach in February 1846. It was such an unusual record
that Gundlach, not familiar with the bird, named it as a new
species Aulamax lembevei, Bond (1985) and Brudenell-
Bruce (1975)cite two reports from the Bahamas-Bimini. 18
November- Grand Bahama, 10 October. Bond noted the
period of occurrence for this species in the West Indies as 11
September-18 November. The only additional report of
which we are aware is a single bird seen on Eleuthera,
Bahamas on 7 February 1986 (American Birds 40:529). This
was the only report for the Bahamas or West Indies since
1972.
Because of the small number of records for the West Indies,
two sightings of Eastern Phoebe we obtained on Grand
Bahama in November 1995 are of interest. On 25 November
we found a single bird feeding over a small freshwater pond
on the property of the Rand Nature Center (Bahamas National
Trust), and on 26 November we encountered a second
individual perched next to another small freshwater pond at
West End. BuLh birds were watched imertnihendy for half an
hour or more. Tail-wagging and other field marks were
confirmed as the birds perched and foraged over the corners
of the ponds they occupied. Rick and Kathy Oliver (Rand
Nature Center) informed us that at least one of those was still
present in mid-February 1996.
Although these records undoubtedly reflect as much the

lack of previous field work and reporting as they do on the
scarcity of Eastern Phoebes in the Bahamas (see discussion
below), we should add that this may have been a particularly
good winter for short-range migrants reaching the Bahamas.
From 24 to 26 November we also recorded 2 American
Robins (Turdus migratorius), I Ruby-crowned Kinglet
(Regulus calendula), and 3+ Cedar Waxwings (Bomb)ycilla
cedrorunm) on Grand Bahama, All are considered to be
sporadic, irregular visitors to the Bahamas. Whether or not
these birds collectively represented vanguards of an
unseasonably cold winter in thesouthcastern United States or
vagrants resulting front an earlier aberrant weather system is
unknown.
These phoebe reports represent the fourth and fifth for the
B ahamas, and the fifth and sixth for the West Indies. Dates of
the sightings extend the period of known occurrence in the
Bahamas by nearly three months and are outside the normal
fall migration period for the species.
We also observed one Empidonax flycatcher at West End,
Grand Bahama on 26 November 1995, and one of us (Lee)
found three on Abaco in early December 1995. These
records are at least a month past the fall migration period for
any eastern North American Empidonax, and like the records
of the Eastern Phoebes are here considered as records of
wintering indiv iduals, The Grand Baham a Empidonax was at
the edge of a coastal shrub thicket ca. 100 m from the beach
at West End. It was observed for approximately 10 minutes
by all of us.Other than an incomplete eye ring, no useful field
marks were noted. The Abaco birds were at the edge of a red
mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) swamp bordering a beach
front at Sandy Point (2 and 5 December) and at the airport at
Marsh Harbor (6 December). This latter individual was
perched on a wire under the eve of the air terminal a most
unexpected site of occurrence. The habitat surrounding the
airport is open 30-year-old Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea)
forest. No distinct field marks were noted on any ofthe Abac
birds, and like the individual found on Grand Bahama all
were nnn-vocal- The only previous winter record we know
for the Bahamas is of a single unidentified Empidonax heard
calling from dense vegeration on Etcuthern (BIuhanias) on 7
February 1986 (American Birds 40:339).
Reported migration periods of Empidoint flycatchers for
the Bahamas, and elsewhere in the West Indies, are scarce
and identification in most cases is problematic. The birds are
drab, usually silent, and often provide only fleeting views.
Amos (1991), in describing the situation in Bermuda where

El Pitirre 9(2)

Page 4

Wintering Flycatchers in the Bahlams (ContinueCd)
five species are reported to occur, sums up the problem
nicely: "species identifications have been based on careful
observation and some inspired conjecture." Furthermore;,
twoEmpidanax rcc ntly (1973) recognized as separate species
are distinguished primarily by vocalizations and ecology.
They are difficult to separate in migration or on wintering
grounds where they are typically silent. Hussell (1990)
showed that many immatures of Alder (Empidonixalno nma)
and Willow (E. traillii) flycatchers cannot be separated, and
Seutin (1991) recommended caution when attempting to
identify these flycatchers with morphometrics.
Collected Empidonax specimens and sight records are
usually combined in writing species accounts for specific
islands, masking accuracy of statements, and making it
difficult to decipher what level of confidence can be placed
on what has been published. The situation in Bahamas is a
good example of the problem. A-single migrant collected on
New Providence on 14 October 1961 is an Acadian Flycatcher
(E. virescens). Based on this record this species is the only
Empidonax mentioned for the Bahamas (Brudenell-Bruce
1975) and the descriptive text only tells how to distinguish
the genus Empidonaxr from the Greater Antillean Peewee
(Contopuscaribaeus). Subsequently, the Acadian Flycatcher
has since appeared as the only Empidonax on a checklist nf
the birds of the Bahamas (Bahamas National Trust}.
On 25 November 1995, we also found a single Gray
Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis) and one Western Kingbird
(T. verticallis) at West End, Grand Bahama. Both were
foraging in a large fig (Ficussp.) tree with ripe fruit. Both are
late-season records for the northern Bahamas.
Brudenell-Bruce (1975) reported the latest date in fall for
the Gray Kingbird on New Providence as 12 November, but
also includes a 12 December report for Great Inagua much
farther south, Bond (1985) notes that the Gray Kingbird
winters in northern South America but is "chiefly a pe rmanent
resident from Hispaniola eastward." Emlen (1977). however,
reported Gray Kingbirds for Grand Bahamas on 10 January
1968 and 14 March 1969.
The Western Kingbird is a rare passage migrant in the
Caribbean, known only in migration from the Bahamas and
Swan Islands(Bond 1985). Brudenelt-Bruce (1975) recorded
it from 15 October to 1 November on New Providence,
Western Kingbirds have also been seen on Bintini. Grand
Bahama, and Eleuthera. The latest occurrence dale reported
by Brudenell-Bruce is 26 November (Elcuthera), hut there is
i report of 3 I Westerni K-titghird rftr Gruiter Abacs.from 24
December 1983 to 2 January 1984 (Ameri-can Bird. 38:362),
another from Abaco on 16-19 November 1990 (Ameriant
Birds 45:500), and a report from North Andros of one on 10
November 1968 (American Birds 23:38),
We suggest that all these species may occur with greater
regularity and at dates well outside the extreme periods of
occurrence summarized here, and we conclude that furtiter
field work will show all of the species discussed here to be

more common, wid-.spread, or less seasonally-restricted in
the Balitmas and Greater Caribbean Basin than is presenEly
believed. Resolving the identification and status of migrant
and w inte ring Empidona.t flycatchers will require systematic
collections of specimens from several islands, seasons, and
habitats, not just in the Bahamas, but throughout the West
Indies,
This report results from an agreement among the North
Carolina Slate Museum of Natural Sciences, The Bahamas
National Trust, The College of the Bahamas, and the Bahamas
Department of Agriculture. The focus of this agreements dite
development of an understanding and the long-range
conservation of nearctic migrants under the umbrella of the
International Partners-in-Flight Program. We thank Robert
L. Norton, Anthony White, and Catherine Levy forreviewing
the manuscript,

Participants at the 1995 Society of Caribbean Ornithology
meeting in Trinidad expressed interest in making observa-
tions on mixed-species flocks in Caribbean habitats. Our
purposes in this brief note are to provide suggestions on how
to quantify and standardize field observations of mixed-
species flocks and to encourage SCO members to gather and
publish their data on the composition, habitats, and behavior
of mixed-species flocks.
Characteristic of tropical forest habitats, mixed-species
Flocks of birds typically consist of one or more nuclear
individuals of a highly social and often vocal species, often
a tanager, accompanied by individuals of uther species. In
certain mainland habitats, such flocks have highly stable
composition, consisting of mated pairs of several species
which travel together through a common home range
throughout the year (Moynihan 1962, Valburg 1992). Such
flocking behavior is poorly known in the Caribbean (Willis
1973,Ewert and Askins 199 1, Carlo and Vilella 1992, Hame
and Kirkconnell 1995). Itis possible diat such flocks, which
in theCaribbean consist o fre sident species as wel las numerous
migratory species during g the northern win ter, are an im portan t
part of the avifauna of the islands. Flocking may be an
adaptive behavior of the nonbreeding ecology of migratory
birds as well as rcsidont Caribbean rnpecie. Bctausc of cthc
recognized importance of conservation of resident and
endemic Caribbean species, as well as the interest in migratory
birds expressed by the Partners-in-Flight ad hoc network
(Pashley and Hamel 1995), studies of the composition and
habitats of mixed-species flocks are important and timely
contributions to Caribbean ornithology.
Our suggested techniques parallel those of Morse (1970),
who reviewed literature on mixed-species flocks, and
presented data and analyses of flocks in temperate North
America. Morse (1970) identified several hypotheses to
explain the function of flocking behavior. Whether flocks
function to alert members to predators, to improve foraging
efficiency of members (or both), or for sonie olher advan stage
remain crucial questions for which no complete answers have
been found. Observations of flock composition and behavior
will help to answer these questions.
A flock is a gmup ofhirds that moves together in the same
general direct ion. calling back and forth, or otherwise behaves
in concert. Within a flock, the nuclear individuals or nuclear
species will be recognized as thuse individuals that are
generally in the center of the flock, thai call inore often or

more vigorously, and that are followed by die other individuals.
Minimal observations of flocks consist of the identity and
number of individuals of each species present in the flock.
Observations of flocks may require several minutes for the
identification of each species and numbers of individuals,
especially for species that are relatively silentm or slow moving.
Suggested method for making observations involves a team
of three persons- One observer counts the total number of
birds in the flock. Tallying the number of individuals in the
Sflock is iiist e ffccti vcty done when il theobserver Is at t] e fruit L
of the flock, although the observer must use care not to disturb
the flock. The second observer identifies which species are
in the flock and the total number of individuals (or proportion)
of each, The third observer notes which species are the
nuclear species, which species are followers, and which
species join only as the flock passes through their territories.
The team follows the flock until no longer able to do so, and
then compiles their observations into a single summary of the
observation of that flock (W. Barrow and C.-C. Chen, pers.
comm,).
We suggest that flocks be tallied as to the date; time;
location; and the number, age (e.g., juvenile, hatching year,
after hatching year, etc.), and sex, whenever possible, of
individutn[ o[Feach 'cies ; recorded. Particularly important
are dataon whichspecies are the "nuclear species," orspecies
around which the flocks form and which keep the flock
together. In North America, these species are frequently
parids (Pants sp.). In Cuba, the Yellow-beaded Warbler
(Terecistrisfemandinae) and the Oriente Warbler (T.fmrnsi).
are the nuclear species (Quesada and de las Pozas 1984,
Hamel and Kirkconnell 1995). In the Dominican Republic,
the Black-crowned Palm-Tanager (Phaenicophilus
pahmariir) and the White-winged Warbler (Xenoiigea
montana) act as flock nuclear species (Vilella, pers. obs.). In
Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rican Tanager (Nesospingus
speculiferus) usually provides this function (Willis 1973,
Carto and Vilella 1992), ihe LesserAntillean Pcwee(Coanopus
tarirostris) occasionally acis as a nuclear species (C. Delan noy,
pers. comm.), and migratory species occasionally do so (W.
Arendt, pers. comm.).
Additional useful datathaishould be gathered on flocks are
numerous. For example. we suggest that observers record the
habitat in which the 1ocks occur; the relative position in the
vertical strata of the vegetation that the flock, as well as the
individual members of the flock, occupy, the rate ofmovemnent

El Pitirre 9(2)

Page 7

Mcxed-species foraging flocks (Continued)
of the flock through the habitat, in m/min; dithe consistency of
composition of a particular flock from day to day within a
season (possible only when birds have been individually
color banded); the participation of known individuals from
season to season; the consistency of the home range or
movement area of the flock from day to day and seasonally:
the daily assembly of the flock; the roosting behavior of the
flock members; changes in flock composition from breading
to nonbreeding season of resident species: intra- as well as
inter-specific interactions (e.g., aggression) among flock
members; changes in behavior of resident species as flock
composition changes with arrival and departure of migratory
species; a determination of which species participate only
when a flock moves through its territory as opposed to
members that participate throughout the "home range" of the
flock; changes in behavior of species when participating in
flocks as opposed to when solitary.
Other important observations include information on the
phenology (flowers, fruits, seeds) of vascular plants (trees,
shrubs, vines) in the areas visited by flocks, For example, in
the Dominican Republic certain species of trees (e.g., Trema
micrantha) commonly attract flocks of resident (e.g.,
Xenoligea montana) as well as migratory birds (e.g.,
Dendroica tigrina), that readily feed on their fruits (Dod
1978; S. Guerrero,pers. comm.). Itis important to distinguish
aggregations of birds attracted to localized resources like
fruiting trees from flocks of birds that movejointly through
their habitats.
Summaries of flock composition and size, by study area,
will be useful for comparison of this phenomenon among
islands of the Caribbean. Comparison of flock membership
by species with species occurrence and abundance on point
count data will provide information on the importance of
mixed-species foraging flocks in Caribbean habitats. By
noting individuals observed separately from flocks it will be
possible also to determine the proportion nf individuals of
each species that participate in flocks, to determine any
differences in flock participation among age and sex classes
within species, to note the relative amount of time individuals
of different species spend in flocks, and the propensity of
different species to participate in flocks.
We look forward to corresponding with colleagues in the
SCO concerning this phenomenon in the future. Our
understanding of the importance of flock participation will
assist in determination of conservation priorities among the
Islands of thi Caribbean. Nuclear species are of potentially
greater concern because their conservation may affect not
only their own numbers but also, indirectly, those of other
resident and migratory species which are regular flock atten-

dants.
To aid observers in recording data in the field, we include
a field data sheet (Fig, I), The scheme of Remsen and
Robinson (1990) will be very useful for recording foraging
behaviors, Remscn and Robi nson (1990) identify 27 standard
terms for foraging maneuvers (Fig. I),
We appreciate the comments of Carlos Delannuy, Wayne
Arendt, Wylie Barrow. and Chao-Chieh Chen on this
manuscript.

The bird collections of Charlcs-Eugane Jeanneret arc a lost
chapter in Cuba's natural history. Jeannerel, born in 1824,
was a friend of Juan Cristobal Gundlach and a disciple of
FPlipe Poiiy. Using the taxidermy and collecting skills hc

learned from Gundlach, Jeanneret collected Cuban birds in
the nirieteenth century. He amassed a large collection or
Cuban birds, which is housed at the Museum of Natural
History, Neuchitel (Table 1).

TA E -1. Summary of the specimens of Cuban birds in the Charles-Eugine Jean eret collection in the Museum of
Natural History, Neuchflel.

species are available. We are in the process of developing a
more detailed description of the Jeanneret collection.

TROPICAL ORNITHOLOGY COURSE

The Iistituto de Ecologfa, A. C. Graduate Program and the
Depanrtamento de Ecologia y Camportumiento Animal at
Xalapa. Veracruz, Mdxico will be offering its first course in
Tropical Ornithology 24 June-28 July 1996. The course is
field oriented and will last five weeks (two weeks at Xalapa
City and surroundings, and three weeks at La Mancha Fietld
Station, Veracruz). Course objectives include (1) to expose
students to avian studies in the tropics, (2) to integrate
evlintinnnry ernlngy theory wilh flild recsarch, (3) to use
ecological criteria in conservation and sustainabic

management of natural resources, and (4) the training of
young researchers. Participants will bc trained to design aJId
cxecutc field research projects. Lectures and seminars will be
given by several professors. Course participation is limited to
15 persons and the cost will be 5650,00 USD. For more
information, contact Dr. Juan Francisco Ornelas,
Departamento de Ecologia y Comportamiento Animal,
InstiLuto de Ecologia, A. C,, Apdo. 63, Xalapa. Veracruz
9HI0O,, Mdxico, Telephone: 52 28 18-6000; fax: 52,28,
7809: e-mail: ornelasj@sunT.ieco.cotnauyt.mx).

El Pitirre 9(2)

Family

Page 12

THE REGIONAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR MESOAMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

The mission of the Regional Wildlife Management Program
for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean (PRMVS), coordinated
by Costa Rica's National University in Heredia, is to train
wildlife and natural resource professionals to effectively
conserve the fauna and habitats of tropical America. As in all
countries, the leaders of Central American, Mexican, South
American and Caribbean nations mustanswer complex socio-
ecalogical questions involving wildlife, The PRMVS is
conumitted to educating the growing cadre of dedicated and
regionally trained professionals who will be faced with these
decisions.
During their two-year course of study. graduate students
receive intensive training in wildlife management, animal
population ecology, rural sociology, computer science, and
environmental education. They also chose from a range of
elective courses, including biological conservation,
environmental impact assessment, and wildlife diseases.
Nearly half of the student's time is spent in the field. Ongoing
PRMVS research projects in Costa Rica include GIS, Gap
Analyses, and Biodiversity; Mammals and Dry Tropical
Forest Conservation; Scarlet Macaw Survival; and Waterfowl
and Marshland Restoration,
Since 1987, more than 60 students from 15 Latin American
countries have received training at PRMVS. Student's thesis
projects have significantly added to wildlife management

and conservation in the region. Graduates of the program now
hold a wide variety of positions in wildlife conservation.
PRMVS graduates work in research institutions, natural
science agencies and other government departments; they
head conservation groups and teach at universities throughout
Latin America.
The PRMVS is also home to the Wildlife Documentation
Center (BIODOC). Established in 1988, BIODOC is an
extensive collection of books, scientific journals, reprints,
bulletins, theses, and unpublished literature about wildlife
worldwide. with an emphasis on neotropical species. PRMVS
itselfcontributes to the growing body of scientific information
on tropical wildlife by publishing Neotropical Wildlife (Vida
Sihvestre Neotropiral), a quarterly technical journal that
presents research results of scientists and wildlife managers
working in the American tropics,
PRMVS receives funding from organizations including the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the German Academic Ex-
change Program, the World Wildlife Fund-U.S., the Jessie
Smith Noyes Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, and
the Organization of American States. For further information
about PRMVS, contact Claudette Mo. M.Sc.,, Direcoira,
Program Regional en Manejo de Vida Silvestre. Apartado
1350 3000 Heredia, Costa Rica. Telephone 506 237-7039.
FAX 506 237-7036, E-mail clce@irazu,una.ae.cr

PROPOSED CHANGE FOR SOCIETY OF CARIBBEAN ORNITHOLOGY CONSTITUTION

The Society's Executive Committee proposes the following
change to the SCO constitution.

Article III
B. Section 4 reads "The representatives of a territory/nation!
state who are elected to the Board of Governors shall serve a
two-year term."

Proposed change:
B. Section 4. The representatives of a territory/nation/lstat
who are elected to the Board of Governors simll serve a four-
year term. Should a territory/nation/state need to hold an
election for a Board of Governor representative iti;y anl
request the President to call for an election in that territory/
nation/state,

Justificationr: The Executive Committee feels this change is
needed to enhance the effectiveness of the Board of Gover-
norr antd -allow For a period of contliuuity In iulunct/rcnitary
representation. Currently, elections for some positions (Ex-
ecutive Committee or Board of Governors) are held every

year at the Annual Meeting. Elections are time consuming
and have cosily mailings associated with them. Therefore,
the Executive Cummintee feels the goals of the SCO could be
better served if the Board of Governors serves a four-year
term.

The constitution may be amended by mail ballot by two-
thirds majority, or at any regular general meeting by a two-
thirds vote of the members present, provided that the
amendment has been proposed at the preceding general
meeting or has been recommended by a two-thirds vote of the
Executive Comnittee, and a copy has been seat to every
mcjiibec uf Llre Socicty uL Iclast four months prior to the date
of action.

This proposed change to Section 4 of the constitution has
been recommended by a two-thirds vote of the Executive
Ccmmirtcc- It is being sent to every member of the Society
via thip iapo ci of El Pitirre. A voLe will bhe token during tha
SCO business session at the Society's Annual Meeting in
Nassau, Bahamas in August.

The 1996 Annual Meeting will beheld at SouthOcean Beach
Hotel, Nassau, Bahamas, South Ocean Beach Hotel will
accept most major creditcards. The costs for accommodation
are as follows: oceanfront luxury US $80, standard garden
view US$60 for single, double and family occupancy. There
is a government room tax of 8%, a porter charge one time per
person, and a USS2.35 per person daily maid service charge.
Persons sharing a double occupancy room will each pay 50%5
of the room cost, plus tax and maid service charge.
Children sharing a room with a parent stay and eat free. A
ki'sd camp is supervised daily from 09:00 22; 00 hr, including g
lunch, games, and educational activities. Full day camp
(0S:30 17:00 hr) costs USS25, a half day costs USS16,
whereas evening camp (17:00 22:00 hr) costs US$1 8,
There is an 18-hole golf course which costs US$40 net per
person per day, including green fees and mandatory share
cart, four tennis courts and pro. A 2-tank dive is US$65 per
person including weights & belts; other equipment will cost
extra, A snorkel trip including gear costs US$25 per person.
Other hotel sporting activities include beach games.
Breakfast, lunch, and morning and afternoon colfee breaks
together will cost US$20 per day per person, plus a 15%
service charge. Conference participants will have to make
their own arrangements for dinner. The SCO Banquet on
Tuesday, 6 August, will cost US$35 per person. 'he cash bar
will cost extra.
The price for the field trip, on Sunday 4 Augusl, lhas not yet

been determnicd, The price will be payable upon arrival. The
trip will begin in the morning and an afternoon boat trip will
follow lunch, If you are interested in field trips to Abaco or
Inagua before or after the conference, please call for further
details.
For conference participants to receive a group discount on
American Airlines' flights to Nassau, bookings must bemade
through Marazul Tours. Please contact Ramon Hemandez
from Marazul at 1-800-223-5334 or (201) 319-9670 to
purchase your ticket. When making reservations please
identify yourself as an SCO member.
Airport transfers are US$ 16 per person round-trip. The
hotel should be advised of flight arrival and departure times.
The meeting registration fee is USS75 or $35 For students
with identification,

1996 is an election year for territory/nati un/state re pre tentative
to the Board of Governors for the Society of Caribbean
Ornithology. Dr, Joseph WunderleJr.. President of ihe Society
will be contacting the current territoryInation/simte (island)
representative regarding the procedures for the election,
Please take the time to vote in your country

US REPRESENTATIVE ELRETra-

Jerry Jackson has been elected as the Society's )US

Representative.

AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY WILLIAM BrI.TON GR& Ars
PROGRAM

The Project Council of the American Bird Conservancy is
reviewing proposals for research projects. Priorities include
conservation actions for threatened species, research on
threatened habitats and training and environmental educa-
tion for the Caribbean or Latin America. Applications are due
by 30 September for the December proposal review. To
receive an application packagei.nd receiver more information,
please contact: William Belton Grants Program, American
Bird Conservancy, 1250 24th St. NW. Suite 220, Washington,
DC 20037. USA: Tel- (202) 467-8348; e-mail
ahc@mnsinc.com,

Media Publishing (Nassau, Bahamas) wishes to announce publication of the educational coloring book. Let's Get to Know
the Bahama Parrot. Society of Caribbean Ornithology Treasurer Rosemarie Gnam authored the book and Franklin Rojas
Suarez (Venezuela) did the artwork.
Media Enterprises hopes the hook will bc 'a delight on Bahamians as well as tourists. The book is available for US $3.50,
plus postage, from Neal Sealey, Media Enterprises. P, O. Box N-9240, Nassau, Bahama Islands. Sales will help conservation
efforts for this endangered Caribbean parrot. Hopefully, the book will serve as a model for other educational projects with
parrots.

IF 1-0

El Pitirre 8(3)

Page 15

CARIBBEAN POSTERS AVAILABLE

The CITES Conservation Treaty Support Fund (CTSF) has
published a beautiful poster entitled "Wild Treasures of the
Caribbean," depicting sea turtles, birds, coral, and other
endangered species of the Caribbean. The poster ties in with
a brochure published by World Wildlife FundJTRAFFIC
USA as part of the "Buyer Beware" campaign that urges
tourists and others not to buy endangered species or their
products. The poster is beautiful and depicts Caribbean
wildlife in a natural setting. Its design was done by the
renowned wildlife artist, Mary Helsaple.
The Society of Caribbean Ornithology helped fund the
production of this poster as part of the Society's public
education effort. The idea for the poster and brochure was
conceived at the 1992 CITES Training Workshop for English-
speaking Caribbean nations.
Posters will be made available for free to the CITES

Management Authorities on each Caribbean island. SCO
Island Representatives can contact the CITES Management
Authority on their island to help with distribution of the
posters. A limited number of posters is available to the public
to help raise funds for CITES and our Society.The Society of
Caribbean Ornithology will receive a 10% profit from sales
ofthe poster. SCO members can obtain the poster by sending
a check or postal money order for S25 (U.S,) to the
Conservation Treaty Support Fund (CTSF), 3705 Cardiff
Road. Chevy Chase. Maryland 20815 U.S.A. Please indicate
that you are a SCO member on your order. Discounts are
available for wholesale purchases (20 posters or more). For
further information, con tact George Furness, Jr. ai (301)654-
3150 or by fax at (301) 652-6390. PLEAS E HELP SUPPORT
THE SCO IN THIS FUND-RAISING PROJECT!!!

SOCIETY OF CARIBBEAN ORNITHOLOGY T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE

The SCO has produced a T-shirt to promote the Society and
help raise much needed funds toward the Society's annual
operating costs, The T-shirt depicts the Society's logo, the
Pitirre (Gray Kingbird), on a light blue shin. Large and X-
large shirts are available. The cost of the shirt is $15 (U.S.).
which includes shipping costs. Please purchase a shirt today

and help support the Society! The shin makes a great gift for
Caribbean birdwatchers. Send your order and a check or
postal money order made payable to the Society of Caribbean
Ornithology to Rosemarie Gnam, Treasurer SCO, 13 East
Rosemont Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301. U.S.A. Please
don't miss out on this opportunity to promote the Society I

This title quotes part of the little of recent article by Lamrnenink and
Estrada (1995, Bird Cons. Intl. 5:53-59) which provides a grim
reminder that extinction in the Caribbean is not just an event of the
pas Admittedly documenting the absence of the last individual of
a species is difficult, but the Lammunink and Estrada findings
suggest that little optimism remains for the survival of the Ivory-
billed Woodpecker ("Carpinero Real"). Lammertink and Estrada
searched the area of eastern Cuba where the last population was
known to occur. During the 120 days of field work in 1989, 1991.
and 1993 the two authors and their assistants failed to detect the bird
or find evidence of its recent excavations. Moreover, in the area
from which the last woodpeckers wereknown, no suitable large old-
growth forest habitat remains. It was the destruction of old-growth
forests which is believed to be mostly responsible for the ivory-bill's
demise, as the species required extensive old-growth forest for
survival The ivory-bill disappeared from the southeastern United
States, most by the 1950s, as bottomland forests were extensively
cut for timber. However, population managed to survive in eastern
Cuba until recently, when presumably the effects of past deforesta-
Lion finally caught up with iL Despite the recent efforts of the Cuban
authorities to protect the species and its last known habitat, the
Ivory-billed Woodpecker appears to have finally succumbed.
Even in the 1970s Garrido and Montana (1975. Caidlogo de lax
Avesde Cuba) considered the ivory-bill tobe almost cxtinet in Cuba.

It appears that the species managed to survive there with nonviable
populations for quite some time, and that it was already among the
"living dead"when concerted conservation efforts were initiated. [t
seems unlikely that much could have been done for this species once
most old-growth forests were cut by the late 1800s and early 1900s,
Sadly, we have lost another element of our ecological heritage,and
future generations are unlikely to appreciate just what it wasthat was
lost Unfortunately, in the Caribbean there are no other woodpeckers
ofthe size and grandeur ofthe ivory-bill, although some exist on the
nearby continents,
The loss of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker should serve as a
rernminderthatextinctionin the Caribbeanis still a very real threat and
that biodiversity loss is not an event confined to the past. Admit-
tedly, it was probably the habitat loss in the past which led to this
most recent extinction, and has contributed to the population
reductions of many four threatened and endangered species in the
region. Currently, only about an average of 21% of the area of
Caribbean islands remain in natural forest, Therefore, many island
species are often confined to relatively small habitat patches. This,
of course, restricts population size, making many island species
even more vulnerable to a variety of stresses which would not
normally be of concern for larger populations. Thus the possibility
of extinction is high for many of our island species, requiring
vigilance and constant protection to ensure their survival.